Perpendicular distribution of EMW

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of electromagnetic waves and the variation in the electromagnetic field caused by these waves. The question of how wide the variation is in the field is not clear, as fields are described by their intensities rather than their widths. The conversation also mentions the concept of interference between waves and the assumption of non-interfering waves. Resources are provided for further understanding of electromagnetic waves and their properties.
  • #1
freddyfish
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An electromagnetic wave is a variation in the electromagnetic field. How wide is the variation in the field caused by a wave? I mean, what is one wave's distribution perpendicular to the direction of the wave's progression? This distribution obviously increases in magnitude if two or more waves interfere, but the question is assuming noninterfering waves.

Thanks //Freddy
 
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  • #2
freddyfish said:
An electromagnetic wave is a variation in the electromagnetic field. How wide is the variation in the field caused by a wave? I mean, what is one wave's distribution perpendicular to the direction of the wave's progression? This distribution obviously increases in magnitude if two or more waves interfere, but the question is assuming noninterfering waves.

Thanks //Freddy

freddyfish, welcome to Physics Forums!

You've asked a hard question. By "hard" I mean difficult to answer because the phrase "How wide is the variation..." is not so clear. Do you expect an answer such as "two centimeters wide"? This "variation" is actually a field: one is electromagnetic and one is electric, as you know. Fields are described by their intensities, and not by their "widths".
You may read up on electromagnetic waves (EMWs) at:
http://missionscience.nasa.gov/ems/02_anatomy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation
Note: at the wiki site see the animations of EMWs!

If you then have any doubts or other questions, do come back here and post them. Certainly members will help you understand the physics of EMWs. That's what we do here!
 

Related to Perpendicular distribution of EMW

1. What is perpendicular distribution of EMW?

Perpendicular distribution of EMW refers to the way in which electromagnetic waves (EMW) are distributed and propagated in a perpendicular direction to the direction of the wave's motion. This is in contrast to parallel distribution, where the waves travel in the same direction as their motion.

2. How does perpendicular distribution of EMW occur?

Perpendicular distribution of EMW occurs when the electric and magnetic fields of the wave are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. This is a fundamental property of EMW and is governed by Maxwell's equations.

3. What are some real-world examples of perpendicular distribution of EMW?

Perpendicular distribution of EMW can be observed in various phenomena, such as light reflecting off a mirror at an angle, radio waves bouncing off the ionosphere, and the polarization of light through polarizing filters.

4. How is perpendicular distribution of EMW important in technology?

Perpendicular distribution of EMW is crucial in various technologies, such as wireless communication systems, radar, and satellite communication. Understanding and controlling the perpendicular distribution of EMW allows for efficient and accurate transmission of information and signals.

5. Is perpendicular distribution of EMW always beneficial?

While perpendicular distribution of EMW is important in many applications, it can also cause interference and signal loss in certain situations. This is why engineers and scientists carefully design and optimize the distribution of EMW for specific purposes.

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